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Let’s Talk - Ditch Bags

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by DOCKMASTER, Mar 23, 2023.

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  1. DOCKMASTER, Mar 23, 2023
    #1
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    Lots of info available on the internet about what to put in a Ditch Bag and even pre-filled bags available to buy. I’m curious where everyone stows their bags? I’ve been pondering if I should have mine simply readily available or keep it in the tender or have two? Our 14’ RIB tender is our primary means if we need to abandon ship. I also have a 6 person off shore canister raft as back-up. The canister raft comes with provisions but more is always better. Currently I have my ditch bag readily available but not kept in the tender. Do those with tenders keep your bag in there or elsewhere? I’m also considering if I should just get an additional bag to keep in the tender and have two?
  2. Ken Bracewell, Mar 23, 2023
    #2
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    I keep mine in the air conditioning so things don't deteriorate in the heat (or mold in the rain in your case).
  3. Pascal, Mar 23, 2023
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    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I also prefer having it nice and dry not getting mildew all over.

    In addition to flares, I keep a back up epirb in there as well.

    the critical thing is to store it in a place that’s accessible not only in case of a sinking but also of a fire which usually means not directly above the engine room

    I also keep a stash of PFDs on the anchor locker since in case of a fire this will be the last place we will be before jumping in…
    Zud likes this.
  4. Capt Ralph, Mar 23, 2023
    #4
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    In Alaskan waters, are Gumby Suits recommended on personal craft?
  5. DOCKMASTER, Mar 23, 2023
    #5
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    Not sure how to keep it inside yet not above the engine room in a Sportfish? Only option is salon/galley which is above E/R. I wouldn’t want it down in any of the staterooms as you have to transit through salon to get there other than hatch on bow.
  6. DOCKMASTER, Mar 23, 2023
    #6
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    They are not required. I’m sure recommended though but no idea how to store them in any reasonable qty given how bulky they are. I do have some of the disposable survival suits which are more like a mylar material but better than nothing if all else fails.
  7. Pascal, Mar 23, 2023
    #7
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    bow stateroom if it has a hatch that can be opened from the outside.

    problem with the salon in a sportfish is that if a fire breaks out in the ER, by the time you get down from the FB it maybe too late to get.
  8. DOCKMASTER, Mar 23, 2023
    #8
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    I’m thinking to put mine in the fwd storage compartment up on the flybridge. This is where my boiler is for the hydronic heat system so the compartment is warm and dry most of the time. Also thinking to get a second bag to keep in the tender. At minimum, I think I’ll add some additional non-perishable safety items to the tender.

    A good discussion and I appreciate all the input.
  9. rtrafford, Mar 23, 2023
    #9
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    I keep the bag indoors and conditioned. When we start the engines it gets staged at a proper location adjacent to the Epirb.
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  10. motoryachtlover, Mar 23, 2023
    #10
    motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

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    Mine goes up to the bridge. In 3 steps we are down on the aft deck and can exit to either side or off the stern. Ditch bag has EPIRB, flares, handheld VHF, handheld GPS, 10 fresh waters, and other misc items. We have a lift raft as well as a dinghy but I am concerned about getting the dinghy unsecured before the boat sinks. Got SS cables with that you draw tight and then secure with 2 nuts top and bottom. Need 2 wrenches and some time. Maybe I should carry bolt cutters but they rust so fast.
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  11. rtrafford, Mar 23, 2023
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    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    I use straps with stainless ratchets to tie it down. Basic plan is to release the 4 straps fully from tender while launching the life raft. Sort of doubting power would be alive long enough to actually run the davit. So get off safely and then hope for the best in terms of the tender floating free...
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  12. Pascal, Mar 23, 2023
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    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    We use straps with SS ratchets to Secure the tender., easy to cut and very secure. I don’t like the SS cables with tensioners
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  13. Capt Ralph, Mar 23, 2023
    #13
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Just like the last of the chain rode is Nylon, tie down straps should be quickly cut-able also.
    Under tension, it is amazing how quickly you can cut them.
  14. motoryachtlover, Mar 23, 2023
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    motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

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    Interesting. I liked the SS all thread with the tensioners because they eliminate slack. I thought I was doing right keeping the tender secure. But reading yours and Rtrafford’s comments (regarding the straps) it makes sense. I don’t think SS ratchet straps will stretch any noticeable amount and you all are sure correct that a 4 swipes with a knife would have the tender free.
  15. rtrafford, Mar 23, 2023
    #15
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    I'll give you one more...assuming that your tender has four tie down eyes for fastening, consider a single ratchet strap for each end of the boat. Now you're only counting two cuts to free it in an emergency, and the straps are plenty strong to hold her still as long as they are taught. As the saying goes, an object at rest tends to remain at rest. Keep the straps taught while stowed so that no momentum is gained. Easier to cut as well, should you ever need to do so.
  16. rtrafford, Mar 23, 2023
    #16
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    On my sportfish I used to secure the bow with stainless tensioners for added strength from pounding seas, but the connection to the boat was a stainless pelican hook. However even pelicans can be a problem when extremely tight.
  17. cleanslate, Mar 23, 2023
    #17
    cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    Hmmm .
    Thanks all for posting.
    Very informative.
    My stuff is scattered about I have most of these items but I need to get it organized in one spot. Time to get my ditch bag act together.
  18. Pascal, Mar 23, 2023
    #18
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    What is critical in a dinghy tie down is the angle of the straps or SS tie downs. For instance often when using the bow eye, the forward toe down is vertical and really can’t prevent any fore - aft movement.
  19. motoryachtlover, Mar 23, 2023
    #19
    motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

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    Are these pelican hooks? Because I don’t know of a way to get them to release quickly without taking the tension off.

    Attached Files:

  20. Ken Bracewell, Mar 23, 2023
    #20
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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